About English and Drama

We were placed 29th in the world for English Language and Literature in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017.

We track the significant developments in literature today, probe past patterns of literary culture and consider how the two connect. We hone skills in reading, writing and thinking. We also focus on ways that language and narrative can develop creativity and imagination.

Our students and graduates

Since English helps students deal creatively and analytically with texts from other fields, we attract students from all over the Faculty of Arts and from other faculties.

Undergraduate study in English and Drama

For the Bachelor of Arts you can explore a variety of texts (prose fiction, plays, poetry, film adaptations, comics and non-fiction) and develop your own creative skills. You can choose from majors in:

Postgraduate study and research

We offer postgraduate study in English, Drama and Creative Writing. There is a strong graduate culture in English, Drama and Writing Studies at The University of Auckland. We encourage and assist you to pursue scholarships, study overseas and attend conferences. There are also positions available as Graduate Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants.

Staff research in English and Drama

Our staff include distinguished researchers who have been recognised internationally as leaders in their fields. We are committed to creativity as well as scholarship and have a long tradition of including practising writers on our staff. Each year we also host a Writer in Residence.

Since 2001 we have attracted more than 75 visiting overseas scholars. As part of this international exchange, the annual Dr Alice Griffin Shakespearean Fellowship brings experts in Shakespearean Studies to The University of Auckland.